Cheney book renews 9/11 squabbles

Former US vice president Dick Cheney’s new memoir revives the fierce battles over US national security policies after the September 11 attacks as it rips open old wounds among aides to former President George W Bush.

Former US vice president Dick Cheney’s new memoir revives the fierce battles over US national security policies after the September 11 attacks as it rips open old wounds among aides to former President George W Bush.

In the book, Cheney describes his eight years in the Bush White House, where he pushed a “go-it-alone” world view that enraged his critics.

The book, In My Time, has grabbed headlines for Cheney’s attempts to settle scores with foes such as former secretaries of state Colin Powell and Condoleezza Rice. Powell accused Cheney of taking “cheap shots” at his former colleagues.

Beyond such skirmishes, the book also highlights how far the national security debate has shifted as the United States prepares to mark the 10-year anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.

Cheney’s unapologetic defense of policies he advocated, such as harsh interrogations of terrorism suspects and interventionist foreign policy, surprised few in Washington.